Lesson #144 - Pre-Early Education Is A Nightmare

Holy wow...have any of you done research on school these days?! Not public school - because that is free (thank goodness)...I'm talking about nursery/preschool. Nevermind how HIGH the cost is for some of them (those of you without kids might reconsider having them after seeing these numbers) but the rules are out of control. Here are just a few - from some nationally acclaimed and a few local schools - for your viewing pleasure:


"Birthdays are important to children, and they enjoy sharing them with their friends at school. We normally celebrate children’s birthdays at snack time. Parents are welcome to attend. Please notify your child’s teacher or Principal if you plan to bring a snack for your child’s special day. Parents may bring only commercially prepared foods for birthday or holiday celebrations."

Seriously?! When I was a kid, my mom used to send me to school (or bring) cupcakes for all my classmates...that she made herself...the night before. There is a lot to be said about heartfelt snacks instead of ones purchased from a stop-n-shop the morning of school.

"A popular way to celebrate birthdays is with a new book donation to the school library. A bookplate is placed in the donated book with the child’s name and birth date, and the book is put into circulation for all students to enjoy. Your Principal may suggest titles for donations, if you prefer."

I am already paying you $xx a month for my child to attend - and she isn't the only kid here...are you seriously telling me there isn't money in the budget for new books every year?? If that is the case, then you can hire me to balance your books - because that is just absurd! You should have a stockpile of new books and allow each birthday child to pick one to "donate" to the school's library each year...THAT is how it should go!


Costs:

Option 1: Primary Extended Care = $8.800/year (this one isn't THAT hard to swallow)
Option 2: Extended Care 5 day program = $14,861.50/year (oh come on...you couldn't just forget the $.50 or round up to the next dollar?!)
Option 3: Junior Kindergarten = $25,650/year; iPad 2 User Fee = $350 (*I'm sorry, what?! What if I provide one for her...do I still have to pay this fee every year??)



It sounds more and more like I will be going back to work to pay for school - or sending her to college 16 years early for that price! What do you pay for your child's preschool or day care?? Is it anything close to these fees??